Ancient India

A name, meaning the "enlightened one", used for Siddhartha Gautama.

The founder of the Maurya Empire, brought together most of the Indian subcontinent.

A system of moral values, consisting of reincarnation, non-violence and began with Gautama.

The Aryan religion, named this because the priests were called Brahmans

One of the most holy natural features of the Indian landscape for Hindus.

Chandragupta's grandson; gained control of all but India's southern tip; Converted to Buddhism

The important language of India, recorded on the Aryan society

Jainists practiced this belief of not hurting others.

Indus Valley city laid out in a grid pattern. Had a complex irrigation and sewer system.

A lifelong social group/class into which into which a Hindu is born

Priests and scholars in the Indian caste system

As taught by the Buddha, the four basic beliefs that form the foundation of Buddhism.

A large landmass, smaller than a continent

One of the world's major religions; a complete way of life; no one founder; worship many gods.

The process of rebirth

The Buddhist belief of the extinction of desire and individual consciousness.

Going without food

One of the most sacred animals for the Hindus

Seasonal wind patterns

Called pariahs, lowest level of the Indian society; not considered a part of the caste system.

Absolute power; huge army; mounted troops to enforce laws; 9000 war elephants.

Caste that made up most of the Indian population; most were peasants and manual laborers.

An important Hindu deity who in the trinity of gods was the Destroyer

He is the god of lightning, thunder, storms, rains and river flows

(He can shoot with either hand) and for the magical weapons that he wins from the god Shiva.

Feminine energy, creativity and fertility, wife of the great Hindu god Shiva.

A Hindu god considered the Preserver of the world,upkeep and destruction of world

an Indo-European people who, about 1500 B.C., began to migrate into the Indian subcontinent

People who spread religious beliefs to others

The moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life; order of the universe

Practice of quiet reflection to clear the mind and find inner peace

A dome-shaped structure that serves as a Buddhist shrine

Is a female spirit of the clouds and waters, and will seduce the gods and men.

The effect that good and bad actions have on a persons soul.

Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.